The Shark Blog

Just a few hours
before the puck drops on the most compelling contest in all of sports.This year, at long last, we have a fixed
bracket, making things much easier on those of us obsessed with fantasy
contests.Be sure to get in on the
action at NHL.com with your bracket selections.Here are mine:

Cup Finals:St. Louis Blues over Boston Bruins.

Despite entering the
playoffs on a 6-game losing streak, my faith in St. Louis has not wavered from
the start of the season when I projected them to hoist their first ever
Cup.If they can get healthy, no other
team can roll 4 lines up front and 3 pair on defense like the Blues.I was torn over the Boston/Pittsburgh
selection, but goaltending has to favor the Bruins.

MVP: Alex Steen.Steen finally emerged as an NHL star this
season, leading his squad in goals and assists, despite missing several weeks
of action.He will be clutch.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Pittsburgh / Columbus

Fleury will be fine
in this one.Which is all anyone needs
to hear.A Pittsburgh loss would rival
the '93 Islander upset.

Penguins in 5.

Boston / Detroit

Just keeping the
playoff streak alive should satisfy Wings fans.They certainly won't like what they get in Round 1, as they will be
completely outclassed by the Bruins.

Bruins in a clean sweep

Tampa Bay / Montreal

Coin flip on this
one.Let the goaltending decide it.With Bishop uncertain and Price in top form…

Canadiens in 6.

NY Rangers / Philadelphia

Another coin
toss.The Rangers just seem pieced
together wrong, while the Flyers have the 2nd best player in the league on
their side.

Flyers in 7.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Colorado / Minnesota

If you're looking
for an upset in Round 1, it has to be here.The Wild are better built for the playoffs than Roy's surprising Avs
squad.If only the Wild had healthy
goaltending, they could have challenged St. Louis to come out of the West.

Wild in 6.

St. Louis / Chicago

Tough road for the
Hawks to repeat in the West.Toughest
fight comes first, which they will lose.

Blues in 5.

Anaheim / Dallas

Biggest no-brainer
on this side of the bracket.Ducks
should roll here.

Ducks in 5.

San Jose / LA

Wish I didn't have
to stay past midnight for the next two weeks, but I can't miss what should be
the best series of round 1.When the
teams are even, look to the net.It
doesn't get better than Jonathan Quick.